Cubic Global Defense (CGD), a developer of defense technologies, has announced that a Cubic-designed and produced Wide Band Line of Sight (WBLOS) data link system integrated into the Northrop Grumman Corporation MQ-8C Fire Scout has recently completed a successful operational assessment.
Fire Scout is a combat proven, unmanned helicopter system that provides real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), target-acquisition, laser designation and battle management to tactical users without relying on manned aircraft or space-based assets. The MQ-8C Fire Scout is the U.S. Navy’s next-generation unmanned helicopter.
Cubic is the provider of the data link system for the MQ-8C Fire Scout, in which two Cubic Miniature Multiband Transceivers (MMT) enable simultaneous Ku Band transmissions. Cubic’s MMT is a fast, compact, software defined radio that is fully programmable and can be used with a standard, bandwidth-efficient Common Data Link (CDL), and other waveforms. To support the MQ-8C program, Cubic has delivered more than 20 units in production and spares to date.
“Cubic provides compact, secure wide-band communications and networking solutions for use on manned/unmanned platforms,” said Mike Twyman, executive vice president, Communications, Intelligence and Surveillance Systems of Cubic Global Defense. “The successful completion of the operational assessment of MQ-8C Fire Scout is a testament to our strong working partnership with Northrop Grumman.”
“Cubic data link is essential to the MQ-8C Fire Scout and was vital to the successful completion of the operational assessment,” said Leslie Smith, vice president for medium-range tactical systems at Northrop Grumman. “We value the partnership and outstanding performance of the communication systems provided by Cubic in support of the Fire Scout.”
MQ-8C Fire Scout completed the developmental flight test program for the MQ-8C in 2015 and preparations are underway for the next assessment milestone this year.
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